System and method for storage

ABSTRACT

A storage system includes a rail system, and a container. The container has an inner compartment. The container further includes an apparatus for supporting the container which also interacts the rail system, and a hoist coupled to the apparatus for supporting the container.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/914,286, filed on Jun. 10, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/657,520, filed on Jun. 8,2012, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments described herein relate to a system and a method forstorage.

BACKGROUND

There always is a demand for more storage. Homeowners, for example,continue to want more space. Many new homes are built with three stallgarages and in many instances the third stall quickly becomes a storagearea. Homeowners are not the only ones seeking more storage. Businessesnow also seek storage. This need for storage has given rise to an entireindustry called the self-service storage industry. Amazingly, theself-storage industry has been one of the fastest-growing sectors of theUnited States commercial real estate industry over the period of thelast 35 years. This has grown from a “Mom and Pop” industry in the1950's to an industry with approximately 46,500 “primary” self-storagefacilities in the United States as of year-end 2009, according to the USCensus Bureau. Primary U.S. self-storage facility gross revenues for2010 were approximately $22.0 billion for a national average (mean) of$444,000 per facility or national average (mean) of $9.52 of grossannual revenue per rentable sq. ft. The industry continues to grow. In1995 approximately 6% of US households rented self-storage units. Thisnumber jumped to nearly 1 in 10 US households (HH), or 10% (10.8 millionof the 113.3 million US households) that currently rent a self-storageunit. Put another way, there has been an increase of approximately 65percent in the last 15 years.

Given the increased demand for storage, and a weakened economy, theconsumer is interested in home storage. Home storage is easier on thebudget since one must rent a self-storage unit. Home storage is alsomore convenient since the consumer does not have to drive to a remotesite to get something out of storage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A storage system includes a rail system, and a container. The containerhas an inner compartment. The container further includes an apparatusfor supporting the container which also interacts with the rail system,and a hoist coupled to the apparatus for supporting the container. Thehoist allows the container to be controllably positioned with respect tothe apparatus for supporting the container. The container can alsoinclude a frame, a floor, and a plurality of fabric sides.

A storage container includes a frame, a floor positioned within theframe, a plurality of side flaps that cover the frame to form an innercompartment, an apparatus for supporting the container. The hoist allowsthe frame to move with respect to the support apparatus. The floor, inone embodiment, is comprised of a plurality of plank members. In stillanother embodiment, the plurality of plank members interlock with oneanother. In still another embodiment, the floor includes a single, solidplank member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a storage system, according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 2 is side view of the storage system shown in FIG. 1, according toan example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a view showing the ceiling having a rail system of a storagesystem attached thereto, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a hoist system of a storage system, according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 5A is a portion of a front view of a storage container, accordingto an example embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a portion of a front view of a storage container, accordingto an example embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a portion of a side view of a storage container, according toan example embodiment.

FIG. 6B is a portion of a side view of a storage container, according toan example embodiment.

FIG. 7A is a portion of a front view of a storage container, accordingto another example embodiment.

FIG. 7B is a portion of a front view of a storage container, accordingto another example embodiment.

FIG. 8A is a portion of a side view of a storage container, according toanother example embodiment.

FIG. 8B is a portion of a side view of a storage container, according toanother example embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a storage container, according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a rail system, according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a storage container that includes aninsert, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the storage container of FIG. 11 shownwith the components in a folded position, according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another storage container, according toan example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a front of a storage system 100, according to an exampleembodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of the storage system 100, accordingto the example embodiment. It should be noted that the storage system100 can be used in any number of situations, however FIG. 1 and FIG. 2shows the storage system 100 installed in a residential garage.Therefore FIG. 1 is a view with a garage door open from a driveway orsimilar end view. The storage system 100 includes a rail system 300 andat least one storage container 500 which is attached to the rail system300. Of course, the rail stystme is not required for use of the storagesystem. The storage container 500 is attached to the rail system 300 byway of a hoist system 400. As shown in FIG. 1, three containers 500 canbe seen from this end view. Now turning to the side view shown in FIG.2, it can be seen that the containers 500 can be stacked along the railsystem 300. In other words, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, there are sixstorage containers 500 stored on the rail system 300. The rail system300 can be attached in any orientation. As shown in FIGS. 1 to the railsystem 300 is attached to the ceiling 120 of a garage 110. FIG. 2 alsoshows a container 500 in phantom. This depicts that the storagecontainers 500 are capable of moving from one storage position to aposition over a vehicle 200. The vehicle 200 can be positioned directlybelow an endpoint 301 of the rail system 300. The hoist 400 associatedwith the storage container 500 can then be used to lower the storagecontainer 500 on to the vehicle 200. The storage container 500 attachedthe vehicle and the user can drive away with the storage container 500atop the vehicle 200. The storage container 500, therefore, does nothave to be emptied of its contents and repacked into a separate rooftopcarrier. This saves the user time in that certain sets of supplies donot need to be found and repacked into a rooftop carrier. It iscontemplated that the storage containers 500 can be labeled with alisting of contents. Depending upon what is needed, the user can movethe storage containers 500 the various positions and get a desiredstorage container to the endpoint 301 of the railing system 300. Thedesired storage container 500 can then be lowered to the car or othervehicle 200 and attached thereto.

FIG. 3 is a view showing the ceiling 120 having a rail system 300 of astorage system 100 attached thereto, according to an example embodiment.The rail system 300 includes a main branch 320, a first subbranch 330and the second subbranch 340. In this view, the storage containers 500have been removed for the sake of clarity. The construction of the railsystem 300 is substantially the same across the main branch 320, thefirst subbranch 330, and the second subbranch 340. Each of the mainbranch 320, the first subbranch 330, and the second subbranch 340 arecomprised of a beam having a slot or groove therein. On the main branch320 there is a slot 322. Similarly on these first subbranch 330 there isa slot 332 and on the second sub branch 340 there is a slot 342. Thestorage containers 500 have an attachment mechanism 502 that fits withinor around the slot. In some instances the attachment mechanism 502 is awheel and in other instances the attachment mechanism 502 is a roller.The attachment mechanism allows the container to move along the lengthof the main branch 320, the first subbranch 330 and the second subbranch340.

The rail system 300 also includes a transfer station 350. The transferstation is the confluence of the main branch 320, the first subbranch330, and the second sub subbranch 340. Storage container 500 and itsrespective attachment mechanism 502 can be moved to the transfer station350 where it can be transferred to another one of the other branches ortransported down to the endpoint 310 of the main branch 320. It shouldbe understood that when a plurality of storage containers are stored onthe rail system the containers 500 can be moved on to the variousbranches to get at a desired container 500. For example, if a container500 is positioned close to the back wall of the garage 110, thecontainers in front of it can be moved and placed on different branchesso that the containers can be rearranged or so that the particularcontainer 500 can be placed at a desired location. For example thecontainer that was previously at the back wall of the garage 110 mayinclude camping equipment and therefore need to be moved through thetransfer station 350 up to the endpoint 310 or near the endpoint 310where is positioned over a vehicle, such as vehicle 200. The campingequipment storage container 500 lowered onto the vehicle 200 andattached so that the families camping gear is now a rooftop carrier orin the bed of a pickup truck or the like. It should be noted that thecontainer 500 can be provided with a hoist system, in one embodiment. Inanother embodiment there may be locations on the rail system that havehoist the can be used to release the container and lower the containerfrom that location.

FIG. 4 is a hoist system 400 of a storage system, according to anexample embodiment. This is a simple example of a hoist system 400 for astorage system 100. The hoist system includes a hook 410 for attachingto a container 500. The hoist system also includes a rope or other line420 which can be used to raise or lower the hook 410 with respect to theattachment mechanism 502 of the container 500. As shown the attachmentmechanism is an enlarged head or mushroom end that slides within theslot 322 of the main beam 320. The attachment mechanism 502 could bemade of metal or of a durable nylon such as a PTFE Teflon bushing whichis available from polygon company of Walkerton, Ind. USA. The PTFETeflon has an advantage in that it provides its own permanentlubrication and is therefore graceless. Therefore there is little chanceof having grease or other contaminants foul the storage containers 500.The attachment mechanism 502 also includes an eyelet 504 whichaccommodates the line 420 of the hoist mechanism 410. It should be notedthat more complex hoist mechanisms 410 can also be substituted for thesymbol hoist mechanism shown in FIG. 4. For example, a hoist mechanismmay be used from Harken, Inc. of Pewaukee, Wis., USA. Harken, Inc. useshardware, used for lines in yachts or sailboats. The hardware is capableof holding loads and maintaining its holding power for extended lengthsof time.

FIG. 5A is a portion of a front view of a storage container 500,according to an example embodiment. FIG. 5B is a portion of a front viewof a storage container 500, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 6Ais a portion of a side view of a storage container 500, according to anexample embodiment. FIG. 6B is a portion of a side view of a storagecontainer 500, according to an example embodiment. Now looking at eachof the FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B the storage container 500 will befurther detailed. The storage container 500 shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A,and 6B is a soft sided storage container. In other words, the walls orside panels of the storage container are made of a fabric such asballistic nylon or other tough and strong fabric. FIGS. 5A and 5B aretwo halves that make a whole drawing of the front of the storage unit500. Each storage container 500 includes a front panel 510, a back panel512, a first side panel 520 and a second side panel 522. The front panel510 and the back panel 512 are substantially the same. Therefore ratherthan discussing both the front panel 510 and the back panel 512 only onewill be discussed for the sake of brevity. The front panel 510 includesa strap 514 that is substantially trapezoidally-shaped. The strap 514 issewn or otherwise attached to the sidewall 510 using a reinforcementstrap 515. The elongated base of the strap 514 is attached to the frontpanel 510. The other end of the strap 514 includes a ring 516. The ring516 is made of a very strong and durable material and is used to hang tothe hook 410 of the hoist system 400. The top edge of the front panel510 includes a seam which forms a sleeve 530. The corners of the frontpanel 510 includes a cutout 532. A pole 534 fits within the sleeve 530.The pole 534 is dimensioned so it is substantially the same with as thefront panel 510. The front panel also includes a reinforcement patch 536and 536′. Attached to each of the reinforcement patches 536, 536′are apair of parachute clips. As shown, a male portion 537 of the parachuteclip is attached to each of the patches 536, 536′and the female portion538 of the parachute clip is also attached to each of the patches 536,536′. These ends of the parachute clip type connectors are used toattach straps around the container as needed. The sides of the frontpanel 510 also include a sleeve 550, and a sleeve 560. The sleeves 550,560 are sized, in some embodiments, to receive a pole (not shown) withinthe respective sleeve 550, 560. The poles provide rigidity to the frontpanel 510 as well as the back panel. It should be noted that the frontpanel 510 is substantially the same as the back panel 512.

Now turning to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the side panels 610, 612 will now bediscussed. The side panel 610, 612 are substantially the same andtherefore only the side panel 610 will be discussed in detail with theunderstanding that the other side panel is similarly constructed. Theside panel includes a trapezoidally shaped strap 614. The trapezoidallyshaped strap 614 is connected to the side panel 610 by a reinforcingstrap 615. The top of the strap 614 carries a ring 616 made of durablematerial, such as steel, stainless steel, high-strength plastic or thelike. The ring is used for hanging the storage container 500 on to thehook for 10 of the hoist system 400. The edges of the side panel 610includes sleeves used to house pipes or poles that provides rigidity forthe side panel 610. Also, near the upper corners of the side panel 610are male clip ends 537 and female clip ends 538 of parachute clips. Nearthe upper corners of the side panel 610 and sewn into the side panel orotherwise attached to the side panel are latching locations 630 and630′. The latching locations 630, 630′each have a slot for receiving apole, such as pole 534 from the front panel 510 or the back panel 512.Attached inboard the corner is a first ring 640 and the second ring 642.The first ring 640 and second ring 642 are used to hook the storagecontainer 500 to a spot on the garage ceiling 120 (shown in FIGS. 1-3).This particular embodiment the storage container 500 is moved using therail system 300 to a position on the ceiling that includes hooks oranother hoisting mechanism. The rings 640, 642 can then be used toattach to the permanent hooks in the ceiling 120.

FIG. 7A is a portion of a front view of a storage container, accordingto another example embodiment. FIG. 7B is a portion of a front view of astorage container, according to another example embodiment. FIG. 8A is aportion of a side view of a storage container, according to anotherexample embodiment. FIG. 8B is a portion of a side view of a storagecontainer, according to another example embodiment. Now referring toFIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B, another embodiment of a storage container 700will be discussed. Referring first to FIGS. 7A and 7B the front panel710 will be discussed. The front panel has many of the same features asthe front panel 510. Therefore for the sake of brevity, the differencesbetween the front panel 710 and the front panel 510 will be set forth inthis discussion. Seams along the top edge of the front panel 710 form asleeve 730. The sleeve 730 carries a pole 734. Parallel to the top edgeof the front panel 710, another sleeve 740 is formed from a seam sewnwithin the front panel 710. The sleeve 740 carries a second pole 742.The sides of the front panel 710 are also provided with sleeves thecarry poles to reinforce the sides of the front panel 710 and alsoprovide rigidity to the front panel 710. The sides of the front panelcarry a pair of poles. In this manner, a top portion of the front panel710 can be folded down while the bottom portion of the front panel 710remains in place since the pole 742 is latched at another latching point(shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B).

It should be noted that the side panels or end panels of the storagecontainer may be folded back to allow for connection of two or morestorage containers. In this way a customizable storage container can beformed having various sizes as needed. For example, if a long storagecontainers needed to hold long boards for example the side panel of thefirst storage container can be dropped and the side panel of the secondstorage container can also be dropped. This allows the front panel andthe back panel of the first storage container to be directly attached tothe front panel and back panel of the second storage container. Thiswould form an elongated container that could hold long member's.Similarly, two containers could be connected front to back to form amore square shaped container. In still a further embodiment thesidewalls of one of the containers can be dropped halfway so that theresulting container includes a natural divider at the bottom or near thefloor. Of course, the end walls of two containers can be attached areconfigured in a similar way.

In still a further embodiment, the containers can be stacked. Forexample one container could be stacked atop another container. The rings640, 642 of a first container could attached to the bottom of a secondcontainer, in one example embodiment. Course the rings 640, 642 wouldhave to be placed along at least three attachment points on the upper ofthe stacked containers. In one embodiment, the ring 640, 642 would belocated at the corners of the lower storage unit and corresponding hooksor other couplers will be located at the corners of the upper storageunit or container.

FIGS. 8A and 8B depict the first side panel 810 and the second sidepanel 812 of the storage container 700. Again the construction of eachof the side panels 810, 812 is substantially the same. As a result onlyone side panel 810 will be discussed herein. Furthermore the side panel810 is very close in construction to the side panel 610. For the sake ofbrevity only the differences between the side panel 810 and the sidepanel 610 will be discussed. The side panel 810 is provided with anextra set of latching locations 840, 842. The latching locations receiveor latch the end of the pipe 742 at the latching location 842. Similarlya pipe also laches to the latching location 840. This is in addition tothe latching locations found in the upper corners of the side panel 810.This is the main difference between the panel 610 and side panel 810.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a storage container 500, 700, according to anexample embodiment. FIG. 9 shows possible dimensions of the containers500, 700 as well as the construction of the floor 900 of each of thecontainers 500, 700. Below the floor 900 is a first reinforcing member910 and the second reinforcing member 920. The floor 900 is formed froma plurality of tongue and groove components 901, 902, 903. Each of thetongue and groove components 901, 902, 903 have one edge with a channeltherein and another edge with a tongue thereon. The tongue fits withinthe channel of the various tongue and groove components 901, 902, 903.Thus, the floor can be quickly formed from several of the tongue andgroove components 901, 902, 903. The floor 900 is held in place orprevented from breaking up by the reinforce lutes 910 and 920. Ofcourse, in some embodiments there may be more reinforcing members thanthe two shown. Generally, more reinforcing members are needed to carryor accommodate heavier loads.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a rail system 1000.The rail system 1000 is somewhat similar to the rail system 300 which isdiscussed above. Rather than describe the entire rail system 1000, thedifferences between the rail system 300 and the rail system 1000 will bediscussed below for the sake of brevity. The rail system 1000 includes amain branch 320, a first subbranch 330 a second subbranch 340. Thevarious branches 320, 330, 340 can be placed in various configurations.It should also be noted that the branches 320, 330, 340 can be ofvarious shapes to accommodate different situations. In addition, itshould be noted that there is no limitation to just three branches. Insome applications there may be more branches and in still otherapplications there may be less branches then shown in FIGS. 3 and 10.The rail system 1000 includes a transfer or switching area 1050. In thisparticular rail system 1000, the transfer or switching area 1050includes a set of rails 1051, 1052 that are capable of rotating tovarious positions to mate or a line with the various branches 320, 330,340. This particular embodiment of the rail system 1000 is more like arail road roundhouse where a locomotive (storage system) is placed onthe rails 1051, 1052 and is rotated into alignment with another branch320, 330, 340 and then moved on to the other branch 320, 330, 340. InFIG. 10, the transfer station 1050 and more specifically the rails 1051,1052 are capable of rotating in an arc of less than 180°. Should benoted that in other embodiments, the transfer station 1050 can becircular so that the rails 1051, 1052 can be rotated around the circleor around 360°. Of course the rails 1051, 1052 can be rotated in unisonand therefore the rails 1051, 1050 to remain in parallel so that theycan still hold a connector, such as connector 1060. The connector 1060includes an upset end 1061, a main body 1062, and a loadbearing and1063. In some respects the connector 1060 appears to be shaped like aspool. The upset and 1061 engages the rails, such as rail 1051 and rail1052. The rails 1051, 1052 are curved portions which are attached to asurface 1070. The mobile connector 1060 can be made of a selflubricating nylon, such as duralon or a similar material. As mentionedpreviously, the self-lubricating nylon is advantageous in that there arereally no lubricants to drip off the connector 1060 and contaminate thecontents within a storage container attached to the connector 1060.

Of course it should be pointed out that the storage systems describedabove can be used without a rail system, such as rail system 300 or railsystem 1000. A set of hooks or ceiling hooks can be attached to theceiling of a garage or other storage area that correspond to the ringsor hooks 640 and 642 that are positioned at or near the corners of thestorage containers.

It should also be pointed out that each of the rail systems 300, 1000can be constructed of numerous pieces of track so they can be configuredin a customizable fashion. By placing the rail systems 300, 1000 insmaller pieces, the packaging of the rail systems and the storage systemin general will be smaller. This will enable the storage systems to moreeasily gain shelf space in various retail outlets, such as big-boxstores or smaller lumber yards. In one embodiment the track pieces couldbe as small as 16 inches in length. In other embodiments, the length ofthe rail portions could be shorter or even longer. Having shorter piecesallows for increased flexibility when assembling a specific system. Alsohaving shorter pieces allows for maximum configurability andcustomizability.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a storage container 1100 that includesa main portion 1110 and an insert 1120, according to an exampleembodiment. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the storage container ofFIG. 11 shown with the components 1110, 1120 in a folded position,according to an example embodiment. Now referring to both FIGS. 11 and12, the storage container 1100 will be further detailed. The mainportion 1110 includes a floor 1111 and a set of sidewalls 1112, 1113,1114, and 1115. The floor 1111 in the main portion 1110 can be formed ofa number of planks, similar to the ones shown in previous embodiments.This provides for a stiff or substantially stiff floor 1111. At leasttwo of the sidewalls, such as 1112 and 1114 are also provided with astiffener or stiffening material. The other two sidewalls, such assidewalls 1113 and 1115, are merely cloth or are soft sided. The mainunit can therefore be folded quite easily given that the sidewalls 1113and 1115 are soft sided.

The insert 1120 includes a floor 1121 and a set of sidewalls 1123 and1125. In one embodiment the floor 1121 is also stiff. In one suchembodiment, the floor 1121 includes a plurality of planks such as thosediscussed and shown above in previous embodiments. The sidewalls 1123and 1125 are also stiff or provided with stiffening materials. Thesidewalls 1125 and 1123 are also sized so that they fit within the areaof the corresponding sidewalls 1113 and 1115 of the main body portion1110. The insert 1120 is sized so that it can be deployed and insertedinto the main portion 1110. The floor 1121 corresponds to the floor 1111of the main portion and the sidewalls 1125 and 1123 correspond to thesidewalls of the main portion 1115 and 1113. By inserting insert 1120and unfolding the flaps 1123 1125 to a position where the flaps 11231125 abut or are closely spaced from the corresponding sidewalls 1113and 1115, a substantially hard wall container 1100 is formed. In otherwords, the stiff sidewalls 1123 and 1125 of the insert 1120 interactwith the stiff sidewalls 1112 and 1114 of the main body portion 1110 toform a frame and stiff walled container. The floor 1121 of the insert1120 serves as a spacer between the flaps 1123 and 1125. The floor 1121can also be used to further stiffen the floor 1111 of the main body1110. Thus the insert 1120, when placed into the main portion 1110,provides stiffness to the portions of the main body 1110. In otherwords, sidewall 1123 stiffens the sidewall 1113, and the sidewall 1125stiffens the sidewall 1115 of the main body 1110. The floor 1121 of theinsert also stiffens the floor 1111 of the main body and spaces the twoflaps 1123 and 1125 from one another so that they fit snugly within themain body portion to form a substantially stiff container 1100. In oneembodiment stiffening planks are placed in the floor 1121.

In another embodiment stiffening planks are placed in the floor 1111 ofthe main portion 1110. In still another 1111 and the stiffness of thefloor 1121 can be different. The floor 1121 is dimensioned so that iscaptured between the stiff sidewall 1112 and the stiff sidewall 1114.The floor 1121 also is dimensioned so that the edges of the flaps 1123and 1125 are positioned between the stiff sidewall 1112 and the stiffsidewall 1114. As a result, when the insert 1120 is placed into the mainportion 1110, a substantially stiff container 1100 is formed. The stiffcontainer or container 1100 is capable of being designed to hold variousloads. Of course, more stout materials will yield a container capable ofcarrying heavier loads.

FIG. 11 is shown devoid of straps or a suspension and attachmentmechanism for the sake of clarity. It should be understood that thecontainer 1100 can be provided with straps and a suspension system sothat the container 1100 can be suspended from a rail system, such as wasdiscussed above. In addition, the container 1100 can include an adapteror other hardware for attaching the container 1100 to an automobile orother movable device. Also noteworthy is that the dimension shown inFIG. 11 are only representative of an example. It is contemplated thatthe dimensions can be changed for various applications without departingfrom the spirit of the invention.

FIG. 12 shows that the container 1100 is capable of folding to anundeployed position that would provide for very compact storage of thecontainer 1100. In addition, a container 1100 could be packaged for salein a very efficient manner. FIG. 12 shows the insert 1120 with the flap1123 and the flap 1125 folded onto the floor 1121 of the insert 1120.Similarly, the flaps 1112, 1113, 1114, and 1115 are folded onto thefloor 1111 of the main portion 1110. When folded, the insert 1120 andthe main portion 1110 are both relatively flat. These could be stackedtogether, packaged and sold as a complete storage container 1100. By thesame token, the insert 1120 and the main portion 1110 can also be storedstacked on one another. This further contemplated that one could store anumber of main portions 1110 in one stacked and a number of insertportions 1120 in another stack.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another storage container 1300,according to an example embodiment. The storage container 1300 includesa floor 1310, a first corner portion 1321, a second corner portion 1322,a third corner portion 1323, and a fourth corner portion 1324. Thecorner portions are firm or hard. In one embodiment, the corner portions1321, 1322, 1323, 1324 are made of plastic. The corner portions 1321,1322, 1323, 1324 are formed of a material which will retain the shape ofthe corner. The storage container 1300 includes a first sidewall 1331, asecond sidewall 1332, a third sidewall 1333 and a fourth sidewall 1334.The sidewalls 1331, 1332, 1333, 1334 are soft-sided. In someembodiments, the sidewalls 1331, 1332, 1333, 1334 can be formed as apocket capable of carrying a stiffener, such as a board or otherstiffener. In another embodiment, the stiffeners are sewn into theidewalls 1331, 1332, 1333, 1334. The sidewalls 1331, 1332, 1333, 1334are removably attached to the corners 1321, 1322, 1323, 1324. As shownin FIG. 13, the sidewalls 1331, 1332, 1333, 1334 are attached to thecorners 1321, 1322, 1323, 1324 by means of a series of zippers, such aszipper 1340 and zipper 1342. Each corner includes two zippers which zipto a portion attached to a sidewall. The sidewalls 1331, 1332, 1333,1334 can have varying height dimensions. The zippers can be repositionedor longer zippers can be used when the sidewalls 1331, 1332, 1333, 1334are high. Attached to the corners 1321, 1322, 1323, 1324 are straps1351, 1352, 1353, 1354. Each of the straps 1351, 1352, 1353, 1354includes at least one grommet therein. Also attached to the straps 1351,1352, 1353, 1354 are D-rings. The D-rings can be used to attach thecontainer 1300 to a lift mechanism. Each sidewall 1331, 1332, 1333,1334, as shown in FIG. 13 includes one or more plastic latching buckles,such as 1360 and 1362 shown on sidewall 1334. The plastic latchingbuckles are capable of receiving the D-rings or other connectors thatcan be used to stack the containers 1300.

In some applications, a first container 1300 can be attached to a secondcontainer to form a storage container having a different height. Severalcontainers 1300 can be stacked as desired. The same can be done withother containers discussed above and illustrated in FIGS. 1-12.

A storage system includes a rail system, and a container. The containerhas an inner compartment. The container further includes an apparatusfor supporting the container which also interacts the rail system, and ahoist coupled to the apparatus for supporting the container. The hoistallows the container to be controllably positioned with respect to theapparatus for supporting the container. The container can also include aframe, a floor, and a plurality of fabric sides. The hoist can beremoved from the container. In other words the hoist can include a cableor other connecting member that has a releasable end. A releasable hookcan be attached to a free end of the hoist. The hoist can be operatedmanually or electrically in the various embodiments. The container, insome embodiments, can be mounted to a vehicle. The rail system is usedto move the container from a first storage position to a second storageposition, or from a first storage position to a position over a vehicle.Some embodiments of the storage system also include a second container.The rail system can then be employed to switch the storage position ofthe first container with the storage position of the second. In oneembodiment, the rail system is adapted to be mounted to a ceiling. Thesystem can be used anywhere, such as in the front of a garage forward ofthe passenger compartment of most vehicles when parked therein. In oneembodiment, the apparatus for supporting the container which interactswith the rail system includes at least one roller or at least one wheelthat interacts with the rail system. In another embodiment, thecontainer includes a material that interacts with a vehicle. Forexample, a material that won't harm the finish on a vehicle and one thatwill support a load can be attached to the container so that the storagecontainer can be moved to a position over a vehicle and lowered onto thevehicle. The container can also include a vehicle attachment mechanismformed integral to the container. The vehicle attachment mechanism canbe straps, in one embodiment. In other embodiments, the attachmentmechanism can include hardware for attaching to a vehicle. In oneembodiment, the storage container converts into a car top carrier orother vehicle carrying device.

In one embodiment, the container further includes a foldable frame, aplurality of fabric sides attached to the frame, and a stiffeningelement for stiffening at least two opposing sides of the frame. Thestiffening element is sized for insertion between at least some of theframe elements. The stiffening element is foldable and further includesa first subtantially solid sidewall, and a second subtantially solidsidewall. The stiffening element is insertable within the foldableframe, and unfolded to form a substantially noncollapsible container. Inone embodiment, the stiffening element is foldable and further comprisesa substantially solid floor. The stiffening element is insertable withinthe foldable frame and unfolded to form a substantially noncollapsiblecontainer.

A storage container includes a frame, a floor positioned within theframe, and a plurality of side flaps that cover the frame to form aninner compartment. The storage container further includes an apparatusfor supporting the container which includes at least one roller, and ahoist attached between the first support apparatus and the frame. Thehoist allows the frame and the container formed to move with respect thesupport apparatus. The hoist moves the frame and container up and down,in one embodiment. The storage container is stored near the ceiling ortop of a room in a residence, a garage, or a warehouse. In oneembodiment, the floor of the container is comprised of a plurality ofplank members. In one embodiment, the plank members interlock. Theplurality of side flaps are made of cloth or canvas. In someembodiments, flaps are formed which are further comprised of straps.Some embodiments of the container include a vehicle interface attachedto the container. The vehicle interface is attachable to the vehicle viaat least one vehicle attachment device. In this way a container could beused as a car top carrier.

A storage container system includes a frame, a floor portion positionedwithin the frame, and a plurality of side flaps that cover the frame toform an inner compartment. At least two side flaps include asubstantially solid wall. The frame and sideflaps are foldable to asubstantially flat position. The storage container system also includesan insert. The insert further includes a floor portion, a firststiffener for a sideflap located on one edge of the floor portion, and asecond stiffener for a second sideflap located parallel to the one edgeof the floor portion. The insert is insertable into the frame andunfoldable to a position where the first stiffener and the secondstiffener stiffen a pair of the plurality of sidewalls to form asubstantially solid container. The storage container also includes anapparatus for supporting the container from an overhead track. Theapparatus allows the container to be moved to a plurality of positionsalong the overhead track. The floor portion of the container could beassociated with the frame and the floor portion associated with theinsert includes a floor stiffener.

It should be noted that the storage container discussed above issuspended from the ceiling in a garage and that this is not the only usecontemplated. The storage container could be used in various rooms of ahouse, for example. The storage container could be used in a mud room,utility room, crawl space or other storage area in a residentialdwelling. It is also contemplated that this system could also be used incommercial settings as well. Applications could be used in factories,offsite storage facilities, and the like. Even when a consumer rentsoffsite storage, a garage or other storage bin could be outfitted withsuch a system for more and better storage.

The storage container, as discussed above, is soft-sided. This means anycontainer having a relatively soft side when compared to the floor.Canvas, leather, thin plastic and the like are thought of as beingsoft-sided.

This has been a detailed description of some exemplary embodiments ofthe invention(s) contained within the disclosed subject matter. Suchinvention(s) may be referred to, individually and/or collectively,herein by the term “invention” merely for convenience and withoutintending to limit the scope of this application to any single inventionor inventive concept if more than one is in fact disclosed. The detaileddescription refers to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereofand which shows by way of illustration, but not of limitation, somespecific embodiments of the invention, including a preferred embodiment.These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those ofordinary skill in the art to understand and implement the inventivesubject matter. Other embodiments may be utilized and changes may bemade without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matter.Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may besubstituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure isintended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of variousembodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and otherembodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to thoseof skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

What is claimed:
 1. A storage system comprising: a rail system furthercomprising: a first branch; a second branch; a third branch thatincludes a raising and lowering position; and a transfer stationapparatus that provides a moveable pathway between at least two of thefirst branch, the second branch and the third branch; and an apparatusfor supporting the first container and a second container whichinteracts the rail system.
 2. The storage system of claim 1 furthercomprising a hoist associated with the raising and lowering position,the hoist used to raise and lower at least one of the first containerand the second container with respect to the raising and loweringposition.
 3. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the first containercomprises a first hoist associated with the first container, the firsthoist used to raise and lower the first container at the raising andlowering position; and the second container comprises a second hoistassociated with the second container, the second hoist used to raise andlower the second container at the raising and lowering position.
 4. Thestorage system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first branch, thesecond branch and the third branch can support the first and the secondcontainer.
 5. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the first branch,the second branch and the third branch can each support the first andthe second container.
 6. The storage system of claim 1 wherein thecontainer further comprises: a frame; a floor; and a plurality of fabricsides.
 7. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the container can bemounted to a vehicle.
 8. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the railsystem is used to move the container from a first storage position to asecond storage position.
 9. The storage system of claim 1 wherein therail system is used to move the container from a first storage positionto a position over a vehicle.
 10. The storage system of claim 1 whereinthe rail system is adapted to be mounted to a ceiling.
 11. The storagesystem of claim 1 wherein the container includes a material thatinteracts with a vehicle.
 12. The storage system of claim 11 wherein thecontainer further includes a vehicle attachment mechanism formedintegral with the container.
 13. The storage system of claim 1 whereinthe container further comprises: a foldable frame; a plurality of fabricsides attached to the frame; and a stiffening element for stiffening atleast two opposing sides of the frame, the element sized for insertionbetween at least some of the frame elements.
 14. The storage system ofclaim 13 wherein the stiffening element is foldable and furthercomprises: a first substantially solid sidewall; and a secondsubstantially solid sidewall, the stiffening element insertable withinthe foldable frame and unfolded to form a substantially noncollapsiblecontainer.
 15. The storage system of claim 13 wherein the stiffeningelement is foldable and further comprises: a first substantially solidsidewall; a second substantially solid sidewall; and a substantiallysolid floor, the stiffening element insertable within the foldable frameand unfolded to form a substantially noncollapsible container.
 16. Thestorage system of claim 2 wherein the hoist can be removed from thecontainer.
 17. A storage container system comprising: a frame; a floorportion positioned within the frame; a plurality of side flaps thatcover the frame to form an inner compartment, at least two side flapsincluding a substantially solid wall, the frame and sideflaps foldableto a substantially flat position; an insert that further includes: afloor portion; a first stiffener for a sideflap located on one edge ofthe floor portion; and a second stiffener for a second sideflap locatedparallel to the one edge of the floor portion, the insert insertableinto the frame and unfoldable to a position where the first stiffenerand the second stiffener stiffen a pair of the plurality of sidewalls toform a substantially solid container; and an apparatus supporting thecontainer from an overhead track having a plurality of storage positionsand a raising and lowering position, wherein the apparatus allows thecontainer to be moved from any one of the plurality of storage positionsto the raising and lowering position; and a transfer station apparatusthat provides a moveable pathway between a plurality of branchsconnected to the transfer station.
 18. The storage container system ofclaim 17 wherein one of the floor portion associated with the frame andthe floor portion associated with the insert includes a floor stiffener.